"I don't know why [Gilliam] thought of me. I was raised in the church," Waits said in a hilarious self-interview he conducted to promote his Glitter and Doom tour last year. Talking about making the film, he added, "Gilliam and I met on Fisher King. He is a giant among men and I am in awe of his films. [The Adventures of Baron] Munchausen I've seen a hundred times. Brazil is a crowning achievement. Brothers Grimm was my favorite film last year. I had most of my scenes with Christopher Plummer (He's Dr. Parnassus). Plummer is one of the greatest actors on earth! Mostly I watch and learn. He's a real movie star and a gentleman. Gilliam is an impresario, captain, magician, a dictator (a nice one), a genius, and a man you'd want in the boat with you at the end of the world."

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus also stars Heath Ledger (in his final role), Johnny Depp, Colin Farrell, and Jude Law.